To be fair, most high heeled shoes I buy for work are uncomfortable until I break them in. The break-in period varies based on how often I wear them and how much I walk in them.

I save my uncomfortable high heel shoe wearing to special events like weddings. I'm pretty tall as it is, and don't like to tower over people on a daily basis.

I've found that both the cheap and expensive spectrum of shoes tend to be the most uncomfortable. I like the sweet spot in the middle, saving money by buying on sale at the outlet stores.

I guess I am just too practical for daily usage at work. I love to walk around. I can't imagine losing out on workplace comraderie by refusing to go to lunch across the street with coworkers because of my choice of footwear. I do still wear somewhat stylish shoes (maybe not in the opinion of those pricey-shoe-coworkers) and sometimes receive compliments. But I buy them on sale and they have to be comfortable.

Since 9/11, I haven't worn shoes at work that I couldn't walk home in. (I was 8 months pregnant then, and I walked home- fortunately I was able to change to comfy shoes in my office before leaving.)

I'm curious what infant car seat you used with the Fit. We test drove a fit, and didn't have success fitting our Graco SnugRide in there. I was surprised, my goal was to convince my wife to move from our Accord to a Fit. Obviously, I failed to do that, with the failure of that test, and additionally the Fits we found also seemed badly overpriced. But, I think if the car seat had fit, we would have solved that problem with some diligence. So, I'm curious. Personally I think the Accord has too much space in the back seat, and not enough in the trunk, and gets terrible gas mileage.

I'm going to guess you were meaning to reply to me. :)

This is what we used, or possibly its predecessor: http://www.gracobaby.com/products/pages/snugride-click-connect-35-harlowe.aspx There is a universal latching system in the car, and it fit perfectly. We're currently using a forward-facing carseat (kid 1 is 3.5 now), which also fits, though getting the latches onto the attachment points requires having the seat very loose to start. I can't remember the make of the forward facing seat, though. I can check after work, if you want to know.

As for the Fit, there's a reason they're fairly expensive used. They're a really great car. Ours was bought new in 2008, well before reorienting my life into a more Frugal trajectory (though moving from an RX-8 to the Fit could be considered the start of that, I suppose!) The car gets reasonably good gas mileage (average city 8L/100km, highway 6.1L/100km) and has been incredibly reliable. My repair costs in the last year, on a 6 year old vehicle, were ~$150 for routine maintenance and $400 for new tires (first replacement set, though we use winter tires from Nov-Apr)

The only problems I've had with it is that other drivers seem to have it out for the car... hit once while parked, once in a parking lot, and once rear-ended by another vehicle that was pushed into us by a school bus. :(

But seriously, does anyone have a phrase that is uncommon enough that it won't be used accidentally, but is normal enough to use in everyday conversation to disclose ourselves to others?

Well honestly, "I save as much money as I can so I can have the freedom to do what I want to do with my life" seems to fit the bill. ;-)

Touche

I guess I was thinking something more subtle, like if a coworker/friend/family member says something that might be mustachian, you can say something like "yeah I wish I had that much badassity." (although this particular phrasing seems too common) If they recognize the phrase, then they can say something like "maybe you should ride your bike more." Then you'll know you're in the presence of another mustachian, even if others in the conversation don't, and you can talk to your new friend at greater length, knowing they are on your team and won't look at you like a 3 headed dog when you tell them you're only going to work until 35(or whatever)

Yes I meant to reply to you, seanc0x0, guess I clicked the wrong quote button. I had no problem attaching the infant car seat base (we have the Graco SnugRide 22, which is essentially the same, just lighter), it just seemed to require the front passenger seat to be moved up too far to work with 2 adults in the front. We'll be moving on from the infant seat soon, so maybe we can revisit the question. Of course, my wife would probably lean towards a CR-V now.

Yes I meant to reply to you, seanc0x0, guess I clicked the wrong quote button. I had no problem attaching the infant car seat base (we have the Graco SnugRide 22, which is essentially the same, just lighter), it just seemed to require the front passenger seat to be moved up too far to work with 2 adults in the front. We'll be moving on from the infant seat soon, so maybe we can revisit the question. Of course, my wife would probably lean towards a CR-V now.

I gotcha. Yes, we did have to move the front seat forward. It wasn't much of a problem. Though my 5'4" wife usually sits in the passenger seat, even on the occasions where I was in that seat I didn't find it too much of a problem. I'm 6'2", and it was perhaps a bit less comfortable, but as long as it wasn't on a long road trip I'd not have a problem with it.

When kid 2 arrives in Dec, we'll be moving my daughter's forward-facing seat behind the driver's seat and using the passenger side for the backwards-facing seat, though.

Yes I meant to reply to you, seanc0x0, guess I clicked the wrong quote button. I had no problem attaching the infant car seat base (we have the Graco SnugRide 22, which is essentially the same, just lighter), it just seemed to require the front passenger seat to be moved up too far to work with 2 adults in the front. We'll be moving on from the infant seat soon, so maybe we can revisit the question. Of course, my wife would probably lean towards a CR-V now.

I gotcha. Yes, we did have to move the front seat forward. It wasn't much of a problem. Though my 5'4" wife usually sits in the passenger seat, even on the occasions where I was in that seat I didn't find it too much of a problem. I'm 6'2", and it was perhaps a bit less comfortable, but as long as it wasn't on a long road trip I'd not have a problem with it.

When kid 2 arrives in Dec, we'll be moving my daughter's forward-facing seat behind the driver's seat and using the passenger side for the backwards-facing seat, though.

Well, my wife is only 5', maybe it would have worked. It was a hard sell, and the math depended on getting some value for our Accord and a good price on the Fit, neither of which was on offer. Anyway, something to keep in mind with the knowledge that it can be done whenever we next re-evaluate the car situation. Thanks for the details.

The only thing that made me a little sad is that he said he didn't want to get married or have children since it would derail his financial plans. I just nodded sympathetically, but damn dude, you really can have both! But I can see how someone would think that, looking at the world around them. For the record, I don't want kids myself, but I would still feel that way if I had all the money in the world.

Tell him that some women (assuming he is a breeder) pull their own weight and might even accelerate FIRE.

While discussing healthy diet and getting out of debt, someone told me that he spends $1000 a month on food and detailed all the restaurants he visited in the last month. When cooking at home he likes to fry beef and cheese in bacon grease and put it on bread with bacon. He also gave "ribs and pork chops" as an example of a healthy meal he would eat at home.

I think for $1000 a month you could have a pretty good drug habit going.

Sounds Like he does have an addiction to crappy food. Is he the size of a refrigerator or small car??! I don't know how people can eat out all the time and not feel like crap. I know when we are on vacation and eat out a few days in a row my digestive tract is screwed up for atleast a week afterwards.

He is nearly 300lbs. I think he does have a food addiction. It's sad because I don't think exercise will help him to lose weight like he wants, because of his eating habits.

The only thing that made me a little sad is that he said he didn't want to get married or have children since it would derail his financial plans. I just nodded sympathetically, but damn dude, you really can have both! But I can see how someone would think that, looking at the world around them. For the record, I don't want kids myself, but I would still feel that way if I had all the money in the world.

Tell him that some women (assuming he is a breeder) pull their own weight and might even accelerate FIRE.

He alluded to getting burned pretty bad in some past relationships. If I knew any mustachian single women, I would set him up in a heartbeat, he seems like a really nice guy! But alas, I have an excess supply of nice, single guy friends, and a dearth of female ones.

That being said, I should totally tell him about this website, and the "singles" section!

This is from some time back... I was talking to a college buddy about finances, and he said that he has financed his education with student loans. Perfectly reasonable, especially given that he's got some scholarships on top of it.

The guy also happens to be a, shall we say, very heavy drinker. I asked him for an estimate of how much he spends on alcohol in an average week, and we guesstimated about $100-$200 bucks.

This is from some time back... I was talking to a college buddy about finances, and he said that he has financed his education with student loans. Perfectly reasonable, especially given that he's got some scholarships on top of it.

The guy also happens to be a, shall we say, very heavy drinker. I asked him for an estimate of how much he spends on alcohol in an average week, and we guesstimated about $100-$200 bucks.

That much fucking money could make a big dent in his student loan.

Two years ago I estimated that I was spending about $600 a month at the bar. I woke up... a little. I still spend too much, maybe around $250.

Tell him that some women (assuming he is a breeder) pull their own weight and might even accelerate FIRE.

+1, sir. My huge, feminist, heart just goes pitty-pat over such a romantic declaration as yours. My own husband had the smarts to declare similarly about 26 years ago. May you find happiness with your life partner, married in-state or out.

Today my CW who recently moved closer to work said "Riding your bike two miles to work is a waste."

He formerly rode his bike to work when it was 8 miles. He drives his SUV to work, now. That isn't a waste at all.

Did your CW eat a lot of paint chips as a kid? How is biking a waste but not driving an SUV?

The funny part is a couple other CW's live near to where he moved from and are just getting into biking to work. He was excited about the office getting healthier. He must only care about getting a big enough workout. The funny part is he will drive home, to then go on a bike ride.

Today my CW who recently moved closer to work said "Riding your bike two miles to work is a waste."

He formerly rode his bike to work when it was 8 miles. He drives his SUV to work, now. That isn't a waste at all.

It actually makes some sense, perhaps you just did not understand the whole context of his statement, or didn't quote it verbatim? If he was riding 8 miles before, that likely meant he was wearing "cycling clothes" and then changing once he got to the office. He might have the "I must wear appropriate clothes when I ride my bike" idea in his head, and thus, if he's only riding 2 miles, then it's definitely "a waste" of time to do the whole biking thing, which involves changing at both ends. And if he thinks of it as his exercise for the day, than 2 miles is "a waste" since it's not far enough to get your heart rate up.

I sorta felt that way when my bike commute switched from 9 miles to 3.5 miles. And sure, if you want more miles, you could just loop out of your way on your commute, but psychologically, that's somehow difficult to do. I guess there's just something about a 6-10 mile commute that feels about "perfect": it hits the sweet spot in terms of working good exercise into your day and optimizing your use of time. So when you reduce that things just seem less optimal.

Today my CW who recently moved closer to work said "Riding your bike two miles to work is a waste."

He formerly rode his bike to work when it was 8 miles. He drives his SUV to work, now. That isn't a waste at all.

It actually makes some sense, perhaps you just did not understand the whole context of his statement, or didn't quote it verbatim? If he was riding 8 miles before, that likely meant he was wearing "cycling clothes" and then changing once he got to the office. He might have the "I must wear appropriate clothes when I ride my bike" idea in his head, and thus, if he's only riding 2 miles, then it's definitely "a waste" of time to do the whole biking thing, which involves changing at both ends. And if he thinks of it as his exercise for the day, than 2 miles is "a waste" since it's not far enough to get your heart rate up.

I sorta felt that way when my bike commute switched from 9 miles to 3.5 miles. And sure, if you want more miles, you could just loop out of your way on your commute, but psychologically, that's somehow difficult to do. I guess there's just something about a 6-10 mile commute that feels about "perfect": it hits the sweet spot in terms of working good exercise into your day and optimizing your use of time. So when you reduce that things just seem less optimal.

I think that may have been what he was thinking. The funny part is I live about a mile from work and so I walk. Our office moving in a month so I will end up being about 2 miles from work. We were actually talking about my plans to find a bike so I can be lazy and ride my bike to work instead.

2 miles is too far for me and my poor unmustachian legs and I end up being able to loop over to my gym after work without going home.

Yep I would have trouble not be a bike/exercise snob about riding 2 miles to work, is just not worth putting the gear on. Maybe still worth riding on a comfort bike in civvies and not calling it exercise, but then you have to get home get off your bike then change into proper riding close and go ride more... Sort of get it but is sort of just lazy... I would however definitely try running as a commute, could be a lot of good base miles there, or you know just walk rather than drive...

Call me a non-sporting, underperforming plebian, but a 2 mile bike ride where you don't have to shower afterwards sounds great.

hahaha I know! I have a one-mile commute and I bike about as often as I walk. when I go to yoga before work I don't feel safe walking alone in the dark that early, and when it's super hot out I sweat a lot less biking at a leisurely pace vs. walking briskly. (I really don't know how to walk non-briskly, I feel like that's a Southern skill...) I love being able to bike in my work clothes! maybe it would be different if biking were also my primary form of exercise, but I don't really ever bike for exercise, I'm a runner.

One of my co-workers just bought a brand new BMW because his old one had turned 3 years old. (Apparently that's very old in car years.) He explained that it was the frugal thing to do because he didn't buy the one he wanted ($120,000) but paid just under $50,000 and they gave him $25,000 for his trade-in. Plus he has a full warranty on the new car. All in all, it was practically free, he said.

Then he explained that having a nice car was critical to advance in his career. What career requires a fancy car, you ask? Salesman, perhaps? No, programmer. Everyone knows that programmers are evaluated on the quality of their leather seats, right?

This is a person who told me earlier that he would never be able to retire because his children used up every dollar he earned. I am beginning to suspect that the problem for many people with children is not actually the children.

Uh oh, you reminded me of my past coworker. I had a silver honda accord that was only a few years old. One day he comes in with the same exact car... But it was black. I honestly thought he had it painted. Was so confused when he told me he traded his old car for the same car but in a different color. Lol

Was at lunch with some folks who work at the same base I do - though not with me directly. Rode in one of the ladies large/new SUV. She made some comment about the benefits of having a new baby because "Momma's gotta get a new car". (New car to go with the new baby? I didn't get it then and still don't).

We own a 2005 Toyota Corolla. I've had dozens of coworkers and family members comment on our vehicle situation now that we have a baby.

"You're going to need a minivan!" - ?"You'll need a second car!" - We haven't needed a second car for the past eight years

"You can't possibly fit all three of you in that little car" - It's got five seats."Small cars aren't safe to drive kids around in" - So maybe you should drive less with your kid to increase safety?"How will you fit giant strollers in your little car?" - Why do I need a giant stroller?

I usually just glare at them until they stop, but seriously . . . wtf?

Two adults, two adolescents, and a cello will comfortably fit in a 2002 Corolla.

Was at lunch with some folks who work at the same base I do - though not with me directly. Rode in one of the ladies large/new SUV. She made some comment about the benefits of having a new baby because "Momma's gotta get a new car". (New car to go with the new baby? I didn't get it then and still don't).

We own a 2005 Toyota Corolla. I've had dozens of coworkers and family members comment on our vehicle situation now that we have a baby.

"You're going to need a minivan!" - ?"You'll need a second car!" - We haven't needed a second car for the past eight years

"You can't possibly fit all three of you in that little car" - It's got five seats."Small cars aren't safe to drive kids around in" - So maybe you should drive less with your kid to increase safety?"How will you fit giant strollers in your little car?" - Why do I need a giant stroller?

I usually just glare at them until they stop, but seriously . . . wtf?

Two adults, two adolescents, and a cello will comfortably fit in a 2002 Corolla.

Occasionally I will make a smart ass remark about the only thing I own that is big enough to require a bigger vehicle is my bank account. I have also been called an asshole….

I'm teaching English at an international school in Hanoi, Vietnam. Right now we're in summer school, teaching 15 hours per week. For this, we earn $1200 per month. I've been happy earning that much because I'm a newer teacher, I like not working full time for now, and my living costs are about $500/month, which includes paying $45 car insurance on a car I left back home in the states, average $50/month for visas, and about $225 rent and utilities.

Some of us have been offered jobs teaching full time for the school year, including me and a couple other teachers. The offer is $2000/month, which is admittedly low for full time teaching, but one of my co-workers was complaining that she would have to give up her apartment and her dog if she made "only" $2000/month. How is it even possible to spend that much in Hanoi?!?!

Today my CW who recently moved closer to work said "Riding your bike two miles to work is a waste."

He formerly rode his bike to work when it was 8 miles. He drives his SUV to work, now. That isn't a waste at all.

It actually makes some sense, perhaps you just did not understand the whole context of his statement, or didn't quote it verbatim? If he was riding 8 miles before, that likely meant he was wearing "cycling clothes" and then changing once he got to the office. He might have the "I must wear appropriate clothes when I ride my bike" idea in his head, and thus, if he's only riding 2 miles, then it's definitely "a waste" of time to do the whole biking thing, which involves changing at both ends. And if he thinks of it as his exercise for the day, than 2 miles is "a waste" since it's not far enough to get your heart rate up.

I sorta felt that way when my bike commute switched from 9 miles to 3.5 miles. And sure, if you want more miles, you could just loop out of your way on your commute, but psychologically, that's somehow difficult to do. I guess there's just something about a 6-10 mile commute that feels about "perfect": it hits the sweet spot in terms of working good exercise into your day and optimizing your use of time. So when you reduce that things just seem less optimal.

I used to have a commute that was 0.6 miles from my office. I tried to bike a couple times, but it felt like more effort than it was worth. So I would just walk. Walking was easier, less sweat, and no paranoia about my bike being outside all day and open to theft. Riding my bike took longer than walking because I had to bring the bike out, put on my helmet, ride, lock it up.

I'm teaching English at an international school in Hanoi, Vietnam. Right now we're in summer school, teaching 15 hours per week. For this, we earn $1200 per month. I've been happy earning that much because I'm a newer teacher, I like not working full time for now, and my living costs are about $500/month, which includes paying $45 car insurance on a car I left back home in the states, average $50/month for visas, and about $225 rent and utilities.

Some of us have been offered jobs teaching full time for the school year, including me and a couple other teachers. The offer is $2000/month, which is admittedly low for full time teaching, but one of my co-workers was complaining that she would have to give up her apartment and her dog if she made "only" $2000/month. How is it even possible to spend that much in Hanoi?!?!

Today my CW who recently moved closer to work said "Riding your bike two miles to work is a waste."

He formerly rode his bike to work when it was 8 miles. He drives his SUV to work, now. That isn't a waste at all.

...

I sorta felt that way when my bike commute switched from 9 miles to 3.5 miles. And sure, if you want more miles, you could just loop out of your way on your commute, but psychologically, that's somehow difficult to do. I guess there's just something about a 6-10 mile commute that feels about "perfect": it hits the sweet spot in terms of working good exercise into your day and optimizing your use of time. So when you reduce that things just seem less optimal.

My trip to work went from 5.5 miles each way to 8 miles each way last year due to road construction.. That finished right before winter, and I was glad (with the winter we had) to have a 5.5 mile commute.

I sometimes take the 'old' longer way home, but it is pretty tough to do it 'just because' over the summer while my wife isn't working (Teacher, or still looking for a teaching job). She was working extra during the year as a teachers aid so I could leave work at about 5:00, go the 'longer way' and still come home not to long after she did.

I had a good 'Overheard' story. It wasn't at work, it was parking for a festival here.

My wife and I were going back out to our car. We made sure to count the number of rows back we parked (in a field behind the festival grounds) to get to our car. A middle aged woman was yelling at her late twenties daughter who was trying to find their car (They went up to a big red SUV, and it apparently wasn't the right one) ....

Quote

You always cheap out on everything. You should've gotten the one that tells you where it is for. It was only $5,000 more! Cheap Cheap CHEAP CHEAP!!!!!!

I was astonished. only '$5,000 more' for the ability for your car to tell you where you parked it?

You can get an entire car for 5k

You can buy a small GPS unit for probably $75 ~ $150, store the location of the car, and set the location when you get out. When you are done, set it in walking mode and find your way back to the car

You also could, instead of the above, get a free, or perhaps a 'better' premium app for your smartphone that I'm almost sure that you have, and 'Find my car' with it.

Really... 'CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP' on not spending $5k more so your car tells you where it's at? It was so hard to just mention this to my wife, and not go over and say something. Berating her daughter like that, as well calling someone who spent $5k less 'cheap'.......

Or you could just, you know, remember where the frack you parked. Your brain works for free.

I don't remember how the conversation started, but I was talking with a co-worker about how expensive cars were. He told me cars may now (or soon?) be required to have those cameras that let you know what's behind you so you can park...or was it something to warn you when you are changing lanes that another car was in that lane...or something riduculous like that. So I kind of made fun of the camera thing and he said "I won't be able to buy a car without that!" and sounded a little insulted. I think I made a comment on how lazy or wussy society was getting or something along those lines. He didn't really answer back so I probably offended him, which I am not really one to do very often. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings. I just don't want to have to be forced to buy a car in the future that has these things which drive up the price.

Or you could just, you know, remember where the frack you parked. Your brain works for free.

I don't remember how the conversation started, but I was talking with a co-worker about how expensive cars were. He told me cars may now (or soon?) be required to have those cameras that let you know what's behind you so you can park...or was it something to warn you when you are changing lanes that another car was in that lane...or something riduculous like that. So I kind of made fun of the camera thing and he said "I won't be able to buy a car without that!" and sounded a little insulted. I think I made a comment on how lazy or wussy society was getting or something along those lines. He didn't really answer back so I probably offended him, which I am not really one to do very often. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings. I just don't want to have to be forced to buy a car in the future that has these things which drive up the price.

This reminds me of a commercial I saw when I was at my parents house a few weeks ago (the only time I get to see them and be reminded of how horrible they are). It was a dad teaching his son to drive and the son got distracted by a girl walking down the sidewalk. A car pulled out of a driveway and he wasn't watching. The car sensed it and slammed on the brakes for him. The dad looks at the son and the only thing on the sons face was embarrassment, no fear or 'holy shit'. I'm like wtf that's exactly what I want my kids (and everyone else on the road) to learn: don't bother paying attention, your car will do it for you.

Or you could just, you know, remember where the frack you parked. Your brain works for free.

I don't remember how the conversation started, but I was talking with a co-worker about how expensive cars were. He told me cars may now (or soon?) be required to have those cameras that let you know what's behind you so you can park...or was it something to warn you when you are changing lanes that another car was in that lane...or something riduculous like that. So I kind of made fun of the camera thing and he said "I won't be able to buy a car without that!" and sounded a little insulted. I think I made a comment on how lazy or wussy society was getting or something along those lines. He didn't really answer back so I probably offended him, which I am not really one to do very often. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings. I just don't want to have to be forced to buy a car in the future that has these things which drive up the price.

This reminds me of a commercial I saw when I was at my parents house a few weeks ago (the only time I get to see them and be reminded of how horrible they are). It was a dad teaching his son to drive and the son got distracted by a girl walking down the sidewalk. A car pulled out of a driveway and he wasn't watching. The car sensed it and slammed on the brakes for him. The dad looks at the son and the only thing on the sons face was embarrassment, no fear or 'holy shit'. I'm like wtf that's exactly what I want my kids (and everyone else on the road) to learn: don't bother paying attention, your car will do it for you.

Don't even get me started on the over-use of GPS. It's a great tool, but when you end up suspending common sense to pay attention to the tool, then we are entering into a new phase of society that sounds pretty scary. I've got about ten funny stories of GPS-gone-bad, including one with an ambulance driver while my mom was being taken to the hospital. Most of these stories involve otherwise very intelligent people, many with advanced degrees and all, but somehow they get stupified when in the presence of a GPS app. There should be a thread just on that.

Or hold up your remote control and push the lock button. Beep beep. Follow the beep. Wow found my car. Hate to admit it but I've done this before. The range is really quite long 1/4-1/2 blockish so as long as your in the right neighborhood. You can find your car.

I'm teaching English at an international school in Hanoi, Vietnam. Right now we're in summer school, teaching 15 hours per week. For this, we earn $1200 per month. I've been happy earning that much because I'm a newer teacher, I like not working full time for now, and my living costs are about $500/month, which includes paying $45 car insurance on a car I left back home in the states, average $50/month for visas, and about $225 rent and utilities.

Some of us have been offered jobs teaching full time for the school year, including me and a couple other teachers. The offer is $2000/month, which is admittedly low for full time teaching, but one of my co-workers was complaining that she would have to give up her apartment and her dog if she made "only" $2000/month. How is it even possible to spend that much in Hanoi?!?!

Or hold up your remote control and push the lock button. Beep beep. Follow the beep. Wow found my car. Hate to admit it but I've done this before. The range is really quite long 1/4-1/2 blockish so as long as your in the right neighborhood. You can find your car.

That's what the daughter WAS doing, she just went up to the wrong huge SUV that was the same color as hers I guess. My wife and I counted the number of rows, that seemed to work fine for us (she always gently berates me about not using the 'findmycar' app that I have on my phone but don't use)

I always make a note of the section/isle number I park in at the airport, is WAY to easy to forget where you parked after several weeks. Not sure why I need an special app, 'parked in g5' can be handled by any smartphone note app. Else I could see taking a picture of a landmark from where you car is if there are no section names/numbers. 5k$?!?! Would it be wrong to think those people deserve to loose 5k? Not sure my car is worth 5k. I have walked up and tried to enter the wrong car a few times, was always a rental but still felt rather dumb.

I started at a new job so I have been trying to familiarize myself with work benefits. I attended the HR benefit workshop and some of the things really shocked me. By the way, this is one of the largest energy companies in U.S.

Me: I heard at the HR presentation that there is no discount for ESSP. Why would you buy if there is no discount? By the way, HR rep said you do not have pay brokerage fees when you buy so it is a great deal!! I am serious. This is what she said:)Coworker: Actually, I have been buying for several years.Me: Are you serious? Why are you buying it? What is so special about this stock?Coworker: It was going up so I bought it. For some reason, it started going down for the last couple of years. (By the way, she has a finance degree:) )Me: What about the pension money? Do you know where the company put the money? It is not on the 401k website. I could not find it in the benefits instructions.Coworker: I thought it is on the same website.Me: No, it is not there. At the end of the conversation, she mention that she lets the 401k company manage her portfolio for a fee. This wasn't the end. She showed me the penny stocks that she has been trading. Actually, most of the stock she showed me what less than a 1/0 of a penny. I just could not take it anymore and left. I can only tolerate certain amount of finance ignorance in a day:)

I just don't understand how she can retire by making so many mistakes so early in life.

This wasnt at work but back in college i attended a personal finance seminar. Sweet the college is gonna help all these young engineers out and get them a jump start on saving smartly. WRONG

Seminar is lead by get this a Car Salesman. I brought up many points throughout his lecture(This was preMMM i was just raised half mustache). After the presentation the Career affairs lady running it asked me if i would like to come back and give the presentation next year since i was graduating. I said i'd love to. then she went on to ask what my degree was and since i was an engineer and not a finance major the conversation basically stopped there. I'm sure they are still bringing in the same car salesman to do this pitch. i dont remember everything but a few of his main points were all about how people were going to be investing in NEW CARS once they graduated and that he recommended you do the math b/c getting the 0% APR sometimes works out worse than taking the 5k they are giving you with a 1.9% rate etc. and if people had any questions he could help them figure out which finance rate was the best. i asked him pointed questions about Trad. vs. Roth and he didnt know what a roth was.

So to sum it up in 5 years at a fantastic engineering university the only financial advice the university offered was optional and led by a car salesman. 'Merica!!!

Or you could just, you know, remember where the frack you parked. Your brain works for free.

I don't remember how the conversation started, but I was talking with a co-worker about how expensive cars were. He told me cars may now (or soon?) be required to have those cameras that let you know what's behind you so you can park...or was it something to warn you when you are changing lanes that another car was in that lane...or something riduculous like that.

The idea of the backup camera requirement that's coming up is to prevent people from backing over children & animals in their blind spots. And digital camera sensors and small screens have gotten really cheap these days— you can sell a smartphone for $130 retail and still make a profit, and it has a lot more components than just a camera and a screen! http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Moto-Global-Unlocked-Black/dp/B00K0NRYF6

Of course, far more lives could be saved by lowering & enforcing the speed limits on city streets, but backup cameras are a modest-cost, reasonable mitigation of a genuine danger.

Lane warning systems aren't required yet, but apparently might be in the future, and also apparently work just with a relatively cheap camera and software that's amortized over millions of cars.

Car manufacturers might charge an arm and a leg for such features as options, but that's because they can, not because safety features are inherently expensive— a camera sensor is certainly much cheaper than an airbag, and probably cheaper than a seatbelt even.